2. amps-preamps
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How would you introduce tubes into this SS system?

I have a Rotel RC-1070 preamp and a Parasound HCA-1000 amp driving a pair of NHT Super Two’s. The Super Two’s sensitivity is 87 db (2.83V at 1M), 8 Ohms nominal impedance (3.8 Ohms minimum), and recommended amp power of 25W/ch min. and 175W/ch. max. The Rotel’s output level and impedance are 1V and 100 Ohms, and the Parasound’s input impedance is 33 kiloOhms. The budget is around $2000 for either a tube preamp, tube amp, or integrated tube/hybrid amp. I like the sonic qualities of tube equipment, but I don’t want to sacrifice too much bass. I should also mention that I use this system primarily for listening to vinyl on a Music Hall mmf-5.1 turntable. Should I replace the Rotel, the Parasound, or both? Thanks for your opinions.
jackalope
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harrylavo
346 posts
 
Buy a used Modulus 3A preamp, add some new tubes, and you'll think you've died and gone to heaven.  Great preamp with an even greater phone stage.  Preamp and tubes will set you back less than $2000.  Output impedance will not be a problem with this preamp, so no bass problem.

I have heard your components one time or another, and in MHO your preamp is the weakest link.  Also, based on my experience tube preamp/ss amp gives you more tube goodness than vice-versa.
jackalope OP
6 posts
 
Thanks, everyone. I'm still digesting all of this, and now I'm contemplating more expensive options as well (go figure). The Primaluna Dialogue Premium looks really well designed and well made. I'm just not sure that I want tubes on the output stage. I don't live where I can listen to one first. Anybody have any experience with these, and have any thoughts on how it might suit the Joseph Audio rm22si's? Particularly in the lower freq.'s?
vasaudio
34 posts
 
This is Steve of VAS. I am still the US distributor of Cayin products and I still support the warranty on their products as long as they are US models. The products that are not covered under warranty are 220v models as I can’t get the parts for. 
However, for newbee, I can still repair your A-100T as long as they are 110V. If need them repaired please call me immediately.
Cayin offers many great tube amplifiers that match your system and fit your budget.
If you have any questions are are interested in a model, please contact me at 732-888-3288 from 9-5pm EST.
newbee
4,768 posts
 
Jackalope, Steve wrote to me and I responded. I've agreed to send him these amps for repair if he can take the project on. I'll let you know what happens.
soix
9,698 posts
 
Not sure if these would be outside your budget, but I know they’ll sound fantastic with the RM22s, and the bass will be sublime as will the imaging/soundstage...

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis966hf-audio-research-ls-16-mkii-tube

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649468342-mccormack-dna1-w-smc-silver-mods/
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